Crap! Scratch repair help! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

TexasM5 · 3rd April 2003, 05:21

OK, as luck would have it, a tree limb fell as I drove under it causing it to put a nice long scratch on the roof of my titanium silver M5. It is a very shallow scratch, but long. As I'm sure that others have experienced similar problems, could someone recommend a repair technique? Rubbing compound or something like it? Will it damage te clearcoat?

Help please!
TexasM5

slief · 3rd April 2003, 05:55

A GOOD detailer is your best bet. Or 3M micro grain clear coat safe polish using a high speed buffer followed by 3M finish polish and then a good wax. The experienced detailer is the best bet. You don't want to burn the paint.

kenneth · 3rd April 2003, 07:49

If the scratch is only in the clear coat, you can try Meguiars Scratch X. This is very good for removing light scratches by hand.

If that does not work, you may have to step up to a more abrasive polisher or compound. I've used 3M Finesse-It-II machine polish and 3M Perfect-It rubbing compound before and are quite impress with their capability to remove deep scratches and swirls. However, you will need a machine buffer or an orbital polisher to acheive the desire result.

Last but not least, if you are an inexperienced detailer, it may be best to leave the job for the pros.

Good luck.

Thanks,
Kenneth
'00 Silverstone M5 (sold!)

MIB · 3rd April 2003, 12:49

Try Autopia .

Everything you ever wanted to know about detailing, and more.

TexasM5 · 3rd April 2003, 20:46

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. As a testament to the value of this website, one of the members is also a Houstonian and is providing me with the names of a couple of excellent detailers in our city. You have all been a big help.

TexasM5